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Mesa Verde Has Strong Long-Standing Agricultural Traditions

The Ancestral Puebloans farmed the valleys and mesas of Southwest Colorado, including current-day Mesa Verde National Park until around 1300 AD. Growing primarily corn, beans, and squash, they laid the agricultural foundation for today’s farmers, ranchers, and vintners who carry on this long tradition. For Mesa Verde Country, agriculture is truly a cultural experience.

Several area restaurants specialize in serving local,sustainable cuisine, sourcing their products directly from producers in the four-corners region. Special events throughout the year provide an excellent opportunity to enjoy the bounty of the area with festivals that feature beer, wine and food. But there are other ways to get the farm to your table. Our year-round farmers markets are an excellent way to taste, touch and savor the local flavors. With three markets a week during the peak season and several winter market and deli options, fresh, local food is always available in Mesa Verde Country. Depending on the season, you can pick your own apples, peaches and pears. You can also stop in at some of our local ranches to purchase grass-fed beef or fresh lamb.

There are more than 140 craft breweries in Colorado, and four of them are right here in Mesa Verde Country! Ales and lagers, along with a variety of seasonal beers, and growlers are available at all four breweries so you can bring home a taste of Mesa Verde Country.

McElmo Canyon is home to several lush vineyards right here in Mesa Verde Country. Located near where the trailhead to Canyons of the Ancients begin, the two wineries that reside here have beenrecognized by Wine Enthusiast, and are among Colorado’s most acclaimed wine producers. Both also make many varietals of world-class wines that are featured in many local Colorado restaurants. Both vineyards share a deep love and respect for the surrounding area, and farm and create their wines with eyes on sustainability as well as quality.

Mesa Verde Country’s reputation for craft brewing and artisan distilling continues to grow, and so does its reputation for fine wines. Come visit and get a true taste of the Southwest.

In addition to local wines, brews and spirits, there are several unique, locally-grown products that you’ll want to take home. Locally-grown dryland pinto and Anasazi beans, corn meal and blue corn meal, as well as high-altitude red winter wheat milled into flour are gifts everyone back home will appreciate and savor.